The Bernal Heights Branch is the 13th branch to be completed under the Branch Library Improvement Program, which is funded by a $105.9 million bond measure passed by voters in November 2000. The program is supporting the renovation of16 branch libraries and the construction of eight new library buildings around the City. Project costs for Bernal Heights totaled $5.7 million. A separate fundraising campaign by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library provided new furniture and equipment for the branch.

The thoughtful renovation of the beautiful, WPA-era branch included an extensive refurbishment of the basement, creating a dedicated Children’s Room with access from the neighboring playground. A community meeting room that can accommodate Library classes, programs and after-hours activities, staff rooms and fully accessible public restrooms complete the lower level. Upstairs, the main portion of the library retains its heritage from 1940 with the original hand painted stencils decorating the ceiling and the original ornate hanging light fixtures casting a warm glow throughout the rooms. Woodwork carefully matches the original wood inside the branch. The new Beaux Arts staircase dovetails seamlessly into the building while new flooring fully unites the space. The renovation was designed by the Library Design Studio in the City’s Bureau of Architecture in the Department of Public Works.